FORMULA ONE chief Stefano Domenicali has confirmed an iconic race track is lining up a return to the sport, the best part of a decade after its last race.
For many traditional fans of F1, the lack of a German Grand Prix has been a bitter pill to swallow considering the heritage the nation has as a motorsport beacon thanks to drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
GettyHockenheim has told F1 they want to return to the calendar[/caption]
AlamyIts interest was confirmed by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali[/caption]
imago images/Motorsport ImagesBut it will need major investment and backing to make those aspirations a reality[/caption]
Germany lost the rights to host F1 races in 2019 – the same year national constructor Mercedes celebrated its 125th year in motorsport.
With interest in F1 at an all-time high, several nations and circuits are bidding for the rights to squeeze on to the race calendar, including venues like Portimao in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey.
And that does not even include those on the calendar now, with Zandvoort’s Dutch Grand Prix and Spain‘s Barcelona circuit fighting for their future.
However, fans wanting a return to some of the classics might finally have some good news on the horizon after it was confirmed Hockenheim was interested in a return to the F1 calendar.
Speaking on the interest, Domenicali told Autosport: “We’ve signed important contracts with many promoters.
“Long terms mean the ability to spread out investments already made or planned. We have many requests.
“In 2026 Zandvoort will host its last Grand Prix, so we’re discussing new additions, including alternating events. But there won’t be many: one or two, no more. Barcelona is interested in an alternating slot.
“There’s Portugal, Turkey, and recently Hockenheim – which has new ownership – has shown interest.
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“The most important thing prospective hosts must understand is that there are very few available slots, so those who sit at the table need financial strength.”
Hockenheim was axed from the F1 calendar because of its financial instability in 2019 – a race won by Max Verstappen after pole sitter Lewis Hamilton crashed behind the safety car during a thrilling wet race.
The circuit has been buoyed by fresh financial backers in the form of the Emodrom Group, who took a controlling 74.99 per cent stake in the track in August of last year.
And investment into new facilities is desperately needed if aspirations of an eventual return to the ever-growing F1 are to be realised.
But Domenicali has also warned the race will also need backing from the government.
He said: “It’s very difficult. Aside from a very few cases, I have to say that about 90% of promoters receive contributions from their government or related entities.
“Without that support it’s very difficult.”
Hockenheim managing director Jorn Teske also spoke positively about the prospect of a return.
He told SID: “There’s no question that we at Hockenheimring are very keen on F1, and we’re very pleased that there’s obviously mutual interest. We’ll certainly seek direct dialogue soon.
“Having private investors on board will definitely give the project new momentum.
“Our new shareholders are all petrol heads, but also very good business people with an extensive network…
“The top priority is, of course, still that a model for organising F1 is economically viable. So now the task is defining the more precise conditions and learning what Formula 1’s ideas are.
“Regarding the exact current figures, we’re still somewhat in the dark.”
F1 is already welcoming a new Spanish circuit in Madrid to the calendar next season.
Meanwhile, a street race in Thailand is also edging closer to being announced after their government committed almost £900m for a street race in Bangkok, with a view to host from 2028.
The next F1 race will happen on September 21 in Azerbaijan.
